Bag makers are switching things up to help with the Coronavirus crisis

NEWS – I don’t need to tell you that things are tough right now. Some of our favorite bag makers have been not only adapting to the difficult times, but they’re also doing what they can to help out the community at-large during this crisis.

Defy Bags is a small Chicago-based shop that specializes in awesome handmade carry products, and they’ve got the Bandit Mask in production. This is a reusable mask (not medical grade) made from Selvedge Denim with a cotton twill lining and mil-spec paracord. A percentage of all sales goes to the Give In Kind organization, dedicated to supporting healthcare workers in the Chicago area. Pre-orders are being taken now for shipment in 2-3 weeks. Check it out here.

Down in Texas, Saddleback Leather has retooled their production facility in Mexico to respond to the dramatic shortages in Personal Protective Equipment for medical personnel. They have reusable isolation gowns and face masks ready to order, and are working additional items. You can click here to get the full story or click here for the ordering page.

And finally, we have Tom Bihn, who also retooled their production facilities to make masks to help the cause. They’ve cranked out more than 35,000 reusable cloth face masks so far, donating masks to essential personnel and non-profit organizations. You can help their cause by using the “buy one, give one” program they have set up (you get a mask, and one is donated). You can also purchase masks that are donated directly, helping Tom Bihn cover their costs. Visit the Tom Bihn Face Mask page for details and purchasing.

If you know of other manufacturers doing similar efforts, let me know in the comments. Be safe, everyone!